Several universities have informed a Senate inquiry that preventing students from using AI to cheat assessments will be difficult, if not impossible. Instead, they suggest that institutions should adapt their teaching methods. The rise in popularity of generative AI, which utilizes extensive databases to create original content, has prompted universities to witness instances of students employing AI to write essays or cheat on assignments. Some universities have resorted to pen and paper testing to combat cheating attempts. In their submissions to the Senate inquiry, universities argue that banning generative AI from assessments is not practical. Monash University in Melbourne suggests "decriminalizing" AI and moving away from detection and prohibition, citing the unreliable nature of human detection and AI detection tools. They propose alternatives such as oral exams, supervised assessments, practical evaluations, and the use of portfolios.

The Group of Eight (Go8) universities, including Monash, emphasize that generative AI is a significant part of both future workplaces and daily life, hence completely prohibiting its use in higher education is impractical and undesirable. The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) expresses skepticism about universities' ability to effectively manage AI misconduct, not only in assessments but also in research, highlighting potential risks and widespread ramifications. Universities also acknowledge their increasing utilization of generative AI across various areas, such as personalized course advisers, mock job interviews, and simulated scenarios for learning purposes. As generative AI becomes more integrated into the learning process, the union warns that universities may eventually struggle to guarantee the desired level of learning using traditional methods and assessments. The Queensland University of Technology raises concerns about AI potentially fostering laziness and discouraging independent thinking. They question the purpose and efficacy of assessments if educators and learners heavily rely on AI throughout the process.